gingival overgrowth

Gingival Overgrowth: An Overview

Gingival overgrowth, also known as gingival enlargement or hypertrophy, refers to an abnormal growth of the gingival tissues surrounding the teeth. This condition can be caused by various factors, including:

• Inflammatory Gingival Enlargement: A result of chronic inflammation in the gums.
• Medication-Induced Gingival Enlargement: Certain medications, such as phenytoin and cyclosporine, can cause gum overgrowth as a side effect.
• Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis: A rare genetic condition that leads to excessive growth of the gingiva.
• Systemic Diseases: Conditions like sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, neurofibromatosis, and Kaposi sarcoma can also cause gum overgrowth.

Characteristics of Gingival Overgrowth

Gingival overgrowth can manifest in various ways, including:

• Generalized or Localized Enlargement: The gums may become swollen and enlarged, affecting one or more teeth.
• Bumps or Swelling: Small bumps or swellings on the gums can be a sign of gum overgrowth.
• Difficulty with Oral Hygiene: Excessive gum growth can make it challenging to clean the teeth properly.

Causes and Risk Factors

Gingival overgrowth can be caused by:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can contribute to gum disease and overgrowth.
• Medication Use: Certain medications, such as those mentioned earlier, can cause gum overgrowth as a side effect.
• Systemic Diseases: Underlying health conditions like sarcoidosis or Crohn's disease can increase the risk of gum overgrowth.

References

1. Gingival (Gum) enlargement is an abnormal overgrowth of gingival tissues [1].
2. Gingival overgrowth describes a generalised or localised enlargement of the gingival tissues [2].
3. Gingival hyperplasia refers to an overgrowth of your gums, rather than a specific condition [3].
4. Gingival enlargement or gingival overgrowth is characterized by an increase in the size of gingiva [4].
5. Gingival enlargement is an increase in the size of the gingiva (gums) [6].

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the corresponding search results provided in the context.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Gingival Overgrowth

Gingival overgrowth, also known as gingival hyperplasia, can manifest in various ways. The following are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums: One of the most noticeable symptoms is the presence of red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed easily [1][2].
• Gum overgrowth: Abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue around the teeth can cause discomfort and interfere with proper dental hygiene [3][4].
• Halitosis (bad breath): Gingival overgrowth can lead to halitosis due to the accumulation of bacteria in the affected area [5].
• Painful chewing and eating: The condition can cause pain while chewing or eating, making it difficult to perform these everyday activities [6][7].
• Cosmetic concerns: Gingival overgrowth can affect the appearance of one's smile, leading to feelings of self-consciousness [8].

Other Possible Symptoms

In some cases, gingival overgrowth may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Bleeding gums: Spontaneous bleeding from the gums can occur due to inflammation and irritation [9].
• Gum inflammation: Swelling and redness of the gums can indicate underlying gum disease or infection [10].

It's essential to seek professional dental care if you experience any of these symptoms, as early detection and treatment can help prevent further complications.

To diagnose gingival overgrowth, several diagnostic tests can be performed.

Initial Evaluation

• A thorough medical and dental history is taken to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the gingival overgrowth (1).
• A visual examination of the gums and surrounding tissues is conducted to assess the extent and severity of the overgrowth (3).

Diagnostic Tests

• Blood tests may be ordered to rule out any systemic diseases or conditions that could be causing the gingival overgrowth, such as leukemia or scurvy (10, 12).
• A biopsy of the affected tissue may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any underlying conditions such as familial gingival fibromatosis (6, 13).
• Additional tests such as a blood panel and other diagnostic measures may be ordered to determine the cause of the gingival overgrowth (4).

Other Diagnostic Considerations

• The differential diagnosis of gingival hyperplasia includes various conditions such as calcium channel blockers, cyclosporine, familial gingival fibromatosis, gingivitis, leukemia, phenytoin, scurvy, trench mouth, and valproic acid (12).
• A tissue biopsy may be indicated if the gingival overgrowth has an unusual clinical presentation or if the patient is not on a medication known to induce gingival overgrowth (6).

References

• [1] Drug-influenced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) can be diagnosed based on clinical and histological features, which are often indistinguishable from other forms of gingival overgrowth.
• [3] To diagnose your gingival hyperplasia, your medical or dental professional may perform an oral exam, recommend a biopsy of the affected tissue, and order other tests like a blood panel.
• [4] Gingival hyperplasia is the overgrowth of the gums, stemming from several causes, including medications. Reviewed by a board-certified physician.
• [6] Tissue biopsy may be indicated if gingival overgrowth has an unusual clinical presentation or if the patient is not on a medication known to induce gingival overgrowth.
• [10] Gingival hyperplasia or gum tissue overgrowth can be caused by a number of factors. It can cause functional and aesthetic problems, which is why many people seek treatments for it.
• [12] The differential diagnosis of gingival hyperplasia includes calcium channel blockers, cyclosporine, familial gingival fibromatosis, gingivitis, leukemia, phenytoin, scurvy, trench mouth, valproic acid.

Differential Diagnosis of Gingival Overgrowth

Gingival overgrowth, also known as gingival enlargement or hypertrophy, can be caused by a variety of factors. The differential diagnosis of this condition involves identifying the underlying cause of the overgrowth.

Medications: Certain medications have been associated with gingival overgrowth, including:

• Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin) [4]
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine)
• Calcium channel blockers
• Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

These medications can cause the gingival tissue to overgrow, leading to an abnormal enlargement of the gums.

Systemic Disorders: Gingival overgrowth can also be associated with various systemic disorders, including:

• Leukemia [4]
• Scurvy
• Trench mouth
• Familial gingival fibromatosis

These conditions can cause inflammation and other changes in the body that lead to gingival overgrowth.

Genetic Conditions: Some genetic conditions, such as Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis (HGF), can also cause gingival overgrowth [11]. HGF is a rare condition characterized by abnormal overgrowth of gum tissue.

Other Causes: Gingival overgrowth can also be caused by other factors, including:

• Localized trauma or non-plaque-induced inflammation
• Hormonal alterations
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Immune-mediated conditions [8]

It's essential to note that the differential diagnosis of gingival overgrowth requires a thorough dental and medical history, as well as careful evaluation of the type, nature, and extent of the overgrowth.

References:

[4] Correa JD et al. Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth: a review of the molecular, immune, and inflammatory features. ISRN Dent 2011:497850. [8] by J Christoforou · 2024 — Diffuse gingival swellings have many aetiologies including genetic predisposition, hormonal alterations, gastrointestinal disorders, immune-mediated ... [11] Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare genetic condition characterized by abnormal overgrowth of gum tissue, varying in severity and potentially affecting both the upper and lower jaws.